Textbook-Integrated Guide to Educational Resources

TIGER

Real-World Topics: Medicinal ChemistryArrietta ClaussInstructors often look for real-world topics that interest students when designing labs and preparing lectures. The chemistry associated with drugs is a fertile area, and the archives of the Journal can be a resource for interesting drug-related activities to enhance student learning.Clauss, Arrietta. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 1657.

Enrichment / Review Materials |

Drugs / Pharmaceuticals |

Medicinal Chemistry |

Applications of Chemistry

Using Two-Dimensional Colloidal Crystals To Understand CrystallographyStephanie A. Bosse and Nikolaus M. LoeningDescribes a simple experiment that uses micrometer-sized latex spheres to form two-dimensional colloidal crystals. Diffraction patterns formed by passing a laser beam through these crystals reveal their symmetry and allow the determination of the size of the particles that make up the crystal.Bosse, Stephanie A.; Loening, Nikolaus M. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 93.

Colloids |

Crystals / Crystallography |

Lasers |

X-ray Crystallography

Teaching Science in ArtErich S. UffelmanDescribes two linked, interdisciplinary courses examining conservation science and the history of 17th-century Dutch painting. Strengths and limitations of the approaches taken are discussed and key resources cited.Uffelman, Erich S. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 1617.

The Discovery and Development of CisplatinRebecca A. Alderden, Matthew D. Hall, and Trevor W. HambleyCisplatin is currently one of the most widely used anticancer drugs in the world. The unlikely events surrounding the discovery of its anticancer activity, subsequent introduction into the clinic, and the continuing research into platinum compounds is the subject of this review.Alderden, Rebecca A.; Hall, Matthew D.; Hambley, Trevor W. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 728.

Stoichiometry of Calcium MedicinesGabriel PintoCalcium supplements provide an excellent context in which to review most of the core content of general chemistry, namely, stoichiometry, concentration units, hydration of salts, inorganic and organic salts, physiological importance of elements, resonance in ions, geometry of polyatomic ions, and isomerism.Pinto, Gabriel. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1509.

Stoichiometry |

Applications of Chemistry |

Drugs / Pharmaceuticals |

Medicinal Chemistry

Based on a True Story: Using Movies as Source Material for General Chemistry ReportsMark A. Griep and Marjorie L. MikasenPresents a list of one dozen, highly rated movies in which the focus is either a scientist's chemical research or the societal impact of some chemical compound. The method by which two of these movies were used as source material for a written report in a general chemistry course is described.Griep, Mark A.; Mikasen, Marjorie L. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1501.

Medicinal Chemistry |

Women in Chemistry |

Applications of Chemistry |

Drugs / Pharmaceuticals |

Industrial Chemistry |

Nonmajor Courses |

Nuclear / Radiochemistry

Addendum to "Laser-Pointer-Based Spectrometer for Endpoint Detection of EDTA Titrations"Chris DahmIt has come to my attention that a paper that I recently published in the Journal should have referenced an article previously published in the Journal by Mehta and Dallinger entitled A Colorimetric Titration Experiment with Laser Excitation and Computer-Interfaced Endpoint Detection. I would like to thank Dr. Dallinger for bringing this to my attention and I apologize for not including his paper. Dahm, Chris. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 683.

Lasers |

Spectroscopy

A Supramolecular Approach to Medicinal Chemistry: Medicine Beyond the MoleculeDavid K. SmithThis article emphasizes a conceptual view of medicinal chemistry, which has important implications for the future, as the supramolecular approach to medicinal-chemistry products outlined here is rapidly allowing nanotechnology to converge with medicine. In particular, this article discusses recent developments including the rational design of drugs such as Relenza and Tamiflu, the mode of action of vancomycin, and the mechanism by which bacteria develop resistance, drug delivery using cyclodextrins, and the importance of supramolecular chemistry in understanding protein aggregation diseases such as Alzheimer's and CreutzfieldJacob. Smith, David K. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 393.

Drugs / Pharmaceuticals |

Noncovalent Interactions |

Medicinal Chemistry |

Nanotechnology |

Proteins / Peptides

A Laser-Pointer-Based Spectrometer for Endpoint Detection of EDTA TitrationsChristopher E. Dahm, James W. Hall, and Brian E. MattioniA simple laser-pointer-based spectrometer has been developed for endpoint detection of EDTA titrations of magnesium and calcium. This spectrometer was built to decrease the uncertainty in determining the endpoint of titrations performed with a Calmagite indicator. With a photoresistor as the detector, and with the aid of a voltage-divider circuit, the quantity of light being absorbed can be followed with a simple pHvoltmeter. Students determine the endpoint by graphing the data and applying simple mathematics. BeerLambert studies with the spectrometer also show excellent agreement for a given set of solutions. Dahm, Christopher E.; Hall, James W.; Mattioni, Brian E. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 1787.

Dyes / Pigments |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Lasers |

Spectroscopy |

Titration / Volumetric Analysis

Using Clinical Cases To Teach General ChemistryBrahmadeo Dewprashad, Charles Kosky, Geraldine S. Vaz, and Charlotte L. MartinThis article describes how a fact-based clinical case was effectively used to motivate and enrich the classroom experience and review many of the concepts covered in general chemistry. The case involves an elderly patient who was brought to the emergency room. The results of his physical examination and laboratory analysis of his blood are presented. The students, in peer-led groups, work through the chemical principles involved in the doctor's diagnosis and treatment options for the patient. The article describes the case study, instructors' observations, and students' perception of the activity. Dewprashad, Brahmadeo; Kosky, Charles; Vaz, Geraldine S.; Martin, Charlotte L. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 1471.

A Modular Laser Apparatus for Polarimetry, Nephelometry, and Fluorimetry in General ChemistryScott A. Darveau, Jessica Mueller, April Vaverka, Cheri Barta, Anthony Fitch, Jessica Jurzenski, and Yvonne GindtWe present an apparatus suitable for multiple uses in the general chemistry laboratory including polarimetry, fluorescence, and nephelometry. The open design of the instrument also decreases the chance that students will contract the "black-box syndrome" that seems to develop when using instruments that only provide the final data in an experiment without showing how the measurements are obtained. Darveau, Scott A.; Mueller, Jessica; Vaverka, April; Barta, Cheri; Fitch, Anthony; Jurzenski, Jessica; Gindt, Yvonne. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 401.

Fluorescence Spectroscopy |

Kinetics |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Lasers |

Spectroscopy |

Proteins / Peptides |

Water / Water Chemistry

Carbon Dioxide Flooding: A Classroom Case Study Derived from Surgical PracticeRobert C. KerberThe surgical opening in open-heart surgery is often flooded with carbon dioxide gas to avoid air embolisms when the heart is closed and restarted. This practice can be used in chemistry courses to illustrate concepts of gas density, solubility, and acidbase equilibria, including buffering.Kerber, Robert C. . J. Chem. Educ.2003, 80, 1437.

Two Faces of AlkaloidsJirí DostálThe article discusses and compares the salts and free bases of six well-known alkaloids: nicotine, morphine, cocaine, sanguinarine, allocryptopine, and magnoflorine. Relevance for the biological and medical uses of these compounds is emphasized. Dostál, Jirí. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 993.

Acids / Bases |

Bioorganic Chemistry |

Drugs / Pharmaceuticals |

Natural Products |

Aromatic Compounds |

Medicinal Chemistry

Discovery and Early Uses of IodineLouis RosenfeldTherapeutic use of iodine, particularly in prevention and treatment of goiter.Rosenfeld, Louis. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 984.

Medicinal Chemistry |

Descriptive Chemistry |

Applications of Chemistry

Synthesis of the Sweetener Dulcin from the Analgesic TylenolBrian D. Williams, Birute Williams, and Louise RodinoA sequence suitable for the synthesis of the sweetener dulcin from the analgesic acetaminophen. The analgesic phenacetin is isolated during the synthesis as an intermediate and consequently the experiment can be adopted as a multistep synthesis or as either of two single-period transformations.Williams, Brian D.; Williams, Birute; Rodino, Louise. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 357.

Experiments with AspirinLonda L. Borer and Edward BarryExperiments include (i) synthesis, purification, and characterization of aspirin by mp and TLC, (ii) percentage composition of a commercial aspirin tablet by titration, (iii) kinetics of the hydrolysis of aspirin to salicylic acid under various conditions, (iv) synthesis and characterization of copper(II) aspirinate and copper(II) salicylate, and (v) reaction of copper(II) aspirinate in aqueous solution. Borer, Londa L.; Barry, Edward. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 354.

Synthesis |

Kinetics |

Drugs / Pharmaceuticals |

Medicinal Chemistry |

Aromatic Compounds

A Brine Shrimp Bioassay for Measuring Toxicity and Remediation of ChemicalsMarya LiebermanA bioassay using brine shrimp was adapted to measure the toxicity of household chemicals. One project is described in which students collect dose-response curves for seven commercial flea-killing products. Next, groups of students researched the insecticidal ingredients of the flea products. On the basis of the structures of the active ingredients, they chose remediation methods to make the flea product less toxic to brine shrimp; procedures included copper-catalyzed hydrolysis, adsorption onto activated charcoal, bleach treatment, and photodegradation.Lieberman, Marya. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 1689.

Drugs / Pharmaceuticals |

Medicinal Chemistry |

Nonmajor Courses |

Toxicology

Henry's Law and Noisy KnucklesDoris R. KimbroughPresented here is the application of Henry's law to the noise associated with "cracking" knuckles. Gases dissolved in the synovial fluid in joints rapidly come out of solution as the joint is stretched and pressure is decreased. This "cavitation" produces a characteristic noise. Kimbrough, Doris R. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 1509.

Gases |

Solutions / Solvents |

Applications of Chemistry |

Medicinal Chemistry

Demonstration of Optical Rotatory Dispersion of SucroseS. M. Mahurin, R. N. Compton, and Richard N. ZareA method for demonstrating and measuring the optical activity of chiral molecules in solution is described in which the rotation of linearly polarized light is directly observed at right angles to the propagation of light in the liquid. Mahurin, S. M.; Compton, Robert N.; Zare, Richard N. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 1234.

Instrumental Methods |

Lasers |

Spectroscopy |

Carbohydrates

A Classroom Demonstration of Rayleigh Light Scattering in Optically Active and Inactive SystemsMonica Avalos Pecina and Charles A. SmithThe objective of this demonstration is to allow students to make a direct observation of the rotation of polarized light in an optically active medium. The observation is performed by passing a laser beam through a long vertical cylinder, which contains a solution of a nonabsorbing optically active compound. Pecina, Monica Avalos; Smith, Charles A. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 1230.

Lasers |

Spectroscopy |

Quantum Chemistry

News from Online: More SpectroscopyCarolyn Sweeney JuddSummary of two web sites dealing with the properties and behavior of light.Judd, Carolyn Sweeney. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 1177.

Lasers |

Spectroscopy

News from Online: A Spectrum of ColorCarolyn Sweeney JuddLinks to a variety of on-line resources relating to rainbows, spectra, and the color of light.Judd, Carolyn Sweeney. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 728.

Synthesis of Aspirin: A General Chemistry ExperimentJohn A. Olmsted IIIAn experiment is described that is suitable for the early portion of the laboratory in a general chemistry course and integrates organic examples. It is the two-step synthesis of aspirin starting from oil of wintergreen. The mechanism for this synthesis provides examples of three major classes of chemical reactions: hydrolysis, condensation, and proton transfer.Olmsted, John A., III. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 1261.

Drugs / Pharmaceuticals |

Medicinal Chemistry |

Mechanisms of Reactions |

Aromatic Compounds |

Carboxylic Acids |

Aldehydes / Ketones

The Art and Science of Organic and Natural Products SynthesisK. C. Nicolaou, E. J. Sorensen, and N. WinssingerIn this article, the history of the art and science of organic and natural products synthesis is briefly reviewed and the state of the art is discussed. The impact of this discipline on biology and medicine is amply demonstrated with examples, and projections for future developments in the field are made. Nicolaou, K. C.; Sorensen, E. J.; Winssinger, N. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 1225.

Using Lasers to Demonstrate Refraction, Diffraction, and DispersionElvin Hughes, Jr. and L. H. Holmes, Jr.Using a red and green laser the phenomenon of refraction and diffraction can be demonstrated relatively easily in the classroom. Also the difference in dispersion with a prism (normal dispersion) and dispersion with a grating (which follows the Bragg equation) can be shown.Hughes, Elvin, Jr.; Holmes, L. H. Jr. J. Chem. Educ.1997, 74, 298.

A Cheaper Laser Source for Beer's law ExperimentsJasien, Paul G.Simple laser pointer may be substituted for more expensive He-Ne laser for introductory laboratory experiments. Using water to dilute the concentration leads to better student understanding of Beer's Law.Jasien, Paul G. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 286.

Lasers

Luminescence Decay and Flash Photolysis Experiments Using an Inexpensive, Laser-Based ApparatusBenjamin A. DeGraff and David A. HornerA low cost, easily assembled apparatus has been developed that allows a number of the most exciting laser-based experiments to be performed for less than eight thousand dollars. Also, presented are a number of experiments which can be done using the apparatus and suggestions for a number of additional ones.DeGraff, Benjamin A.; Horner, David A. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 279.

Lasers |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus

Binding-Energy Curve for Iodine Using Laser SpectroscopyL. C. O'Brien and R. L. KubicekThe laser induced fluorescence spectrum of iodine is recorded using the 514.5 nm line of an Ar+ laser to excite the molecule. The molecular constants obtained by the analysis are used as input to an RKR program, which calculates the classical turning points for the binding-energy curve for iodine.O'Brien, L. C.; Kubicek, R. L. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 86.

Risks and Chemical SubstancesBlumberg, Avrom A.We are exposed to about 50 thousand of the 12 million different substances that chemists have identified. This paper looks at how we become exposed within our homes, examine three important ways in which we identify and evaluate hazardous substances, and try to suggest a rational picture of the risks we face.Blumberg, Avrom A. J. Chem. Educ.1994, 71, 912.

Teaching the skills of science - gold and anemiaMattson, WilliamA student poses a question that leads to classroom inquiry: Why does gold rubbed on the face of an anemic person leave a dark mark?Mattson, William J. Chem. Educ.1988, 65, 1000.

Determining the solubility of Ca(OH)2 using 45Ca as a tracerEdmiston, Michael D.; Suter, Robert W.These authors have developed a simple lab that can be incorporated into freshman chemistry that allows students to understand the power of radiochemistry as an analytical tool as well as gain perspectives about real versus imagined dangers of radioactivity.Edmiston, Michael D.; Suter, Robert W. J. Chem. Educ.1988, 65, 279.